1. Longer Waiting Time

In the past, the rule of thumb for HDB flats to be ready was about 3 years from the date of sales launch.

Interestingly, we note that the current batch of HDB BTO projects appear to have much longer completion dates. For example, according to guidence provided by HDB, the Sengkang BTO launch would be among the quickest to be completed, with an estimated completion date of 3Q2019, or about 40 months or 3.3 years.

Both Hougang and Punggol will have among longest waiting time for its homebuyers, with the estimated completion date set for 3Q2020 and 4Q2020 respectively. That’s close to almost a 5 years wait for the flats!

2. Significant Variance In Price For Similar Units

Taking an example from the Punggol BTO launch. The price of the cheapest 4-room flat at Punggol costs $277,000 (93 sqm). A 4-room flat is hardly what you would call too small, particularly with the functional designs that new HDB flats have.

In the very same estate, the price of the most expensive 5-room flat costs $489,000 (112 sqm). That is a whooping difference of about $212,000 simply for a higher level, potentially a better view, and about 19 sqm more space.

The point we are trying to make here is that while space is a premium in Singapore and a higher floor is usually preferred for homebuyers, a couple should weigh the pros and cons of spending so much more money for a flat. $212,000 isn’t just a lot of money, which could otherwise be used for retirement, but it also translates into paying much more in interest over the next 20 to 30 years.

As a home buyer, particularly a young one, you need to decide if you are willing to compromise on some of your preference (higher floor, slightly bigger home) in return for a lighter debt burden, which could ultimately be the deciding factor between having to work hard (and long) for the rest of your life or being able to attain financial independence earlier in life. Is it worth having to see your boss face for an extra 5 years just because you wanted a higher floor? Probably not.

The truth is that there are always cheaper options available for homebuyers as long as they are not too particular about everything being perfect.

3. Sales Of Balance Flat Is Going To Be HOT!

43% of the flats in the November BTO launch are Sales of Balance Flats. That represents 5,350 units in total.

Remarkably, there is a total offering of HDB flats from 25 estates. Yes, you heard that right, balance of flats form an unprecendented (we think) 25 different estates!

Believe it or not, these are all leftover units from earlier launches. As for us, we didn’t even notice that there were actually BTO flats being launched in Bishan, Ang Mo Kio and Queenstown in recent years.

Due to the long wait for new BTO flats, and the extensive choices on offer for existing Sales of Balance units, we are pretty sure that a majority of homeowners will be competing to ballot for these Sales of Balance units instead.

Aside from the sheer volume of BTO flats on offer, the launch has also been widely anticipated for a couple of other reasons.

This will be the first launch since income ceiling for applicants have been raised to $12,000. The new Special CPF Housing Grant will also take effect from this launch, translating into more subsidies for 1st time homebuyer.

These factors will all likely lead to a significant spike in demand, despite the weakening market experienced in both the private sector and the HDB resale market. Get ready for a fierce fight for flats with shorter lead times!

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